Mechanical Technician for the CMS ECAL Detector

Mechanical Technician for the CMS ECAL Detector

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

July 10, 2026August 24, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established in 195
  • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and employs over 2,500 staff members from various countries. CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to explore the fundamental structure of the universe. The organization is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, which is central to its mission and success.

Job Overview:
As a Mechanical Technician at CERN, you will play a crucial role in the upgrade project of the electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) of the CMS detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This position encompasses a wide range of activities and responsibilities, including mechanical works, handling and assembly of detector parts, and coordinating logistics for refurbishment activities. You will collaborate closely with ECAL collaborators and the CMS technical team, ensuring that all mechanical support for ECAL activities is provided efficiently. Your work will involve the safe handling of delicate ECAL detector Supermodules, coordinating logistics for materials and equipment, and serving as the technical liaison between the CMS experiment site and the ECAL refurbishment team. Additionally, you will provide technical support for maintenance activities related to cooling systems, mechatronic equipment, and instrumentation setups, making this role integral to the success of the CMS detector upgrade.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Mechanical Technician include:
  • Providing mechanical support for all ECAL activities, ensuring that all tasks are completed to the highest standards.
  • Safely handling very fragile ECAL detector Supermodules during extraction, insertion, and refurbishment processes.
  • Coordinating logistics for materials and equipment necessary for ECAL detector refurbishment activities.
  • Acting as the technical contact person between the CMS experiment site and the ECAL refurbishment team, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
  • Offering technical support for maintenance activities related to the detector, including cooling systems, mechatronic equipment, and instrumentation setups.
  • Reading and interpreting 2D/3D designs and manufacturing mechanical parts accordingly.
  • Engaging in the design, construction, and assembly of mechanical components, ensuring they meet the required specifications.
  • Conducting detector assembly tasks, including cooling, pressure testing, and leak detection.
  • Handling large and fragile equipment with care and precision. 1
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Higher Technical Diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanics, Mechatronics, or a related field. Additionally, knowledge of cooling operation and maintenance, as well as experience in logistic coordination, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate technical competencies in the assembly of mechanical structures and equipment, manufacturing of mechanical parts, integration of mechanical systems, operation and maintenance of cooling water systems, and operation of handling systems. Behavioral competencies such as achieving results, solving problems, demonstrating flexibility, managing self, and working in teams are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Higher Technical Diploma or equivalent in Mechanics, Mechatronics, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the technical aspects of the role and for effectively contributing to the upgrade project of the ECAL detector.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in reading 2D/3D designs and manufacturing mechanical parts accordingly. They should also have experience in the design, construction, and assembly of mechanical components, as well as detector assembly, which includes cooling, pressure testing, and leak detection. Experience in handling large and fragile equipment and working with multidisciplinary teams is also required. Additional experience in producing 2D and 3D drawings, cutting, polishing, and assembly of optical materials, cabling, and soldering will be considered advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered a valuable asset for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the position is fully onsite. Candidates should be prepared for work in radiation areas, interventions in underground installations, and may be required to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed by the organization. Shift work may also be required. Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, selected candidates must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The job grade for this position is 3-4, and it falls under the field of Mechanical Engineering.
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